Space Flight going Private

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The SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off carrying the company's Dragon capsule on a mission to demonstrate the cargo spacecraft can dock with the International Space station.

Provenance: Credit: NASA
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In-Class Activity 2_Space Issues

Julia Kahmann-Robinson PhD and Marjorie Chan PhD, University of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics

Purpose

Become aware of private companies pursuing space flight and their role with our outside of NASA's Mission directorate.

Preparation

Be ready to facilitate a discussion and have talking points outlined. Suggested questions are below.

Engagement

Dragon docking with the ISS

Present students the following video of Space X's Dragon spacecraft docking with the ISS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwDCWTqNceQ&feature=player_embedded

• This is the first privatized space-flight in history
• Ask students what they think of this venture

Exploration

Lead a discussion of Privatization vs. Government-funded research in Space

1. What is the history of privatization?
2. What are the pros and cons of private companies taking over the space program?

Share the Space X video and announcement of their award to continue on manned-space flight

• Press release Aug 3, 2012: http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20120803
• Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZJk4CrxctQ&feature=youtu.be

The Space X reusable Space Craft: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSF81yjVbJE&feature=related

Explanation

To compare NASA's budget with other federal government agencies and/or privately funded corporations see the following website:

http://www.richardb.us/nasa.html#table1

Elaboration

Space X's Mars Business Model

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fS1FxBq64A&feature=relmfu

1. How realistic do students think this business model is?
2. Do student agree with the business model?

Evaluation

In a Group setting:

• Decide as a group if privatization is a good route to pursue for space research and flight.
• Groups should be ready to defend their position.